Can pregnant women go swimming at the beach?

In the summer, many people have the habit of swimming. The most common way is to swim in a swimming pool. Swimming in a swimming pool is safer. In addition, those who are good at water prefer to swim at the beach. But if you are a pregnant woman, you must be especially cautious when swimming. If you have to swim, it is best to swim in a swimming pool with cleaner water. It is best not to swim at the beach at this time.

Can pregnant women go swimming at the beach?

It is beneficial for pregnant women to go swimming when they are 5-7 months pregnant, both for themselves and the fetus. It can not only reduce the pressure of the fetus on the rectum, but also increase lung capacity and eliminate fatigue during pregnancy. However, pregnant women must take the following safety measures when swimming:

1. Prepare a pair of non-slip slippers. Whenever you leave the water, whether before entering or after exiting the water, you should wear non-slip slippers to avoid accidentally slipping.

2. It is best to choose an outdoor swimming pool. Some swimming pools use chlorine for disinfection and filtration. Chlorine can cause discomfort to the respiratory system of pregnant women, so it is best to choose an outdoor swimming pool to reduce irritation. Or you can choose a swimming pool that uses ozone for sterilization and filtration.

3. Don’t forget to prepare water or juice. You should carry water and juice with you and replenish them before and during swimming to avoid dehydration.

4. Do not overstretch and avoid diving. Because of the buoyancy in water, you often don't feel your limbs and joints stretching too much. Pregnant women should be especially careful to avoid excessive stretching which may have adverse effects on the body and fetus. You should not hold your breath while diving, as lack of oxygen is particularly harmful to the fetus.

5. The water temperature in the swimming pool should be around 30℃. At this water temperature, muscles are less likely to cramp or feel tired. Pregnant women, in particular, should not choose to swim in water that is warmer than their body temperature, as this will increase their body temperature and affect the health of the fetus.

What shouldn’t pregnant women do when going to the beach?

1. Don’t dive.

Many friends who like adventure and excitement may want to go diving, but this is a relatively dangerous sport for pregnant women. Generally speaking, diving to a depth not exceeding 18 meters is allowed. However, if you dive more than 18 meters deep, the fetus will suffer from "decompression sickness", which is very dangerous. In order to prevent the fetus from being affected by breath holding and hypoxia, it is better to be cautious.

2. It is best not to take a speedboat or surf.

Although you should exercise moderately during pregnancy, remember not to exercise too much or too intensely. Too much exercise may cause miscarriage, premature birth, or water breaking. Although riding a speedboat and surfing are both exciting, too much stimulation is not good for the fetus.

3. Try not to swim in the sea.

There is a difference between sea water and swimming pool water. Although they are both blue, the blue color of sea water is caused by the refraction of light. The wavelength of blue light is shorter and easier to refract. The color of swimming pool water is due to the residual disinfectant used in the water. These two phenomena are different. Swimming in the sea does carry the risk of vaginal infection, so everyone should be cautious.